“The fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Mr McKelvey said.

Mr McKelvey said organisations could apply for up to $30,000 each with funding for small projects also encouraged. Applications would be assessed based on how well they align with ETC’s focus on employment and training, and meet one or more of the funding objectives:

Contribute to reducing disadvantage faced by the unemployed and/or other disadvantaged groups

Support the availability and/or sustainability of employment and training opportunities

“It’s incredible the projects we’ve been able to support over the past seven years,” Mr McKelvey said.

“Some of our beneficiaries have included Meals on Wheels, Lifeline, Cancer Council, Multicap, Camp Quality, Interrelate, NSW State Emergency Service, OzHarvest, PCYC, the House with No Steps, and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.”